Dressed in customary carnival costumes, Brazilian Samba dancers Jessika Rodriguez, left, and Kanosky Munoz, right, dance in front of a crowd at the 2013 Houston International Festival, Saturday, April 27, 2013, in Houston. The 200,000 visitors expected can experience exotic excitement of Brazil, showcased through world class musical performances, artisan demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and a variety of food and fun for all ages. less

Dressed in customary carnival costumes, Brazilian Samba dancers Jessika Rodriguez, left, and Kanosky Munoz, right, dance in front of a crowd at the 2013 Houston International Festival, Saturday, April 27, 2013, ... more

Natalia Cruz, 4, and her cousin Alexander Sandoval, 5, play on a hill by the Brazil Living Museum section of the 43rd annual Houston International Festival, Sunday in Houston. The festival continues next weekend. less

Natalia Cruz, 4, and her cousin Alexander Sandoval, 5, play on a hill by the Brazil Living Museum section of the 43rd annual Houston International Festival, Sunday in Houston. The festival continues next ... more

Dutch Binetti, 7, stands in front of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, a replica of the statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the 2013 Houston International Festival, Saturday, April 27, 2013, in Houston.

Dutch Binetti, 7, stands in front of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, a replica of the statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the 2013 Houston International Festival, Saturday, April 27, 2013, in Houston.

Dressed in customary carnival costumes, Brazilian Samba dancers Jessika Rodriguez, left, and Kanosky Munoz, right, dance in front of a crowd at the 2013 Houston International Festival, Saturday, April 27, 2013, in Houston. less

Dressed in customary carnival costumes, Brazilian Samba dancers Jessika Rodriguez, left, and Kanosky Munoz, right, dance in front of a crowd at the 2013 Houston International Festival, Saturday, April 27, 2013, ... more

Nicole Savory, of the Raices de Panama dance group, wears a folkloric dress called a pollera as she performs during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 a.m. to eight p.m. The festival features seven stages, a Brazilian living museum and six multicultural markets. less

Nicole Savory, of the Raices de Panama dance group, wears a folkloric dress called a pollera as she performs during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The ... more

Glorice McPhearson, of Houston, poses for a picture with a Panamanian folkloric dress during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 a.m. to eight p.m. The festival features seven stages, a Brazilian living museum and six multicultural markets. less

Glorice McPhearson, of Houston, poses for a picture with a Panamanian folkloric dress during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through ... more

Krista Collier, of Cypress, poses for a picture as she tries on a Carnaval costume during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 a.m. to eight p.m. The festival features seven stages, a Brazilian living museum and six multicultural markets. less

Krista Collier, of Cypress, poses for a picture as she tries on a Carnaval costume during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through ... more

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Chronicle

Krista Collier, of Cypress, poses for a picture as she tries on a... Photo-4507649.60728 - Houston Chronicle

Image 10 of 26

Glen Johnson, of Houston, tries on a Carnival costume during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 a.m. to eight p.m. The festival features seven stages, a Brazilian living museum and six multicultural markets. less

Glen Johnson, of Houston, tries on a Carnival costume during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 a.m. to eight ... more

Natyra Upasana Academy of Indian Dance performer Anjuli Perubhatla, 8, center, checks Urvi Bhatia's, 9, eye make up before performing during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 a.m. to eight p.m. The festival features seven stages, a Brailian living museum and six multicultural markets. less

Natyra Upasana Academy of Indian Dance performer Anjuli Perubhatla, 8, center, checks Urvi Bhatia's, 9, eye make up before performing during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, ... more

Pedro Maldonado, plays his guitar as Andres Acuares, plays a flue called a Quena during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 a.m. to eight p.m. The festival features seven stages, a Brazilian living museum and six multicultural markets. less

Pedro Maldonado, plays his guitar as Andres Acuares, plays a flue called a Quena during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through ... more

Natalia Cruz, 4, and her cousin Alexander Sandoval, 5, play on a hill by the Brazil Living Museum section of the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 a.m. to eight p.m. The festival features seven stages and six multicultural markets. less

Natalia Cruz, 4, and her cousin Alexander Sandoval, 5, play on a hill by the Brazil Living Museum section of the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail ... more

Mark Takayama, of the Japan American Society gives a Houston Police officer a high five as he attracts pedestrians to his society's booth during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 a.m. to eight p.m. The festival features seven stages, a Brazilian living museum and six multicultural markets. less

Mark Takayama, of the Japan American Society gives a Houston Police officer a high five as he attracts pedestrians to his society's booth during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, ... more

A replica of the Christ the Redeemer statue from Rio de Janeiro Brazil is on display during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America with a focus on the art, music and cuisine of Brazil. less

A replica of the Christ the Redeemer statue from Rio de Janeiro Brazil is on display during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival ... more

Photo: J. Patric Schneider, For The Chronicle

A replica of the Christ the Redeemer statue from Rio de Janeiro... Photo-4503364.60728 - Houston Chronicle

Image 16 of 26

Contrice Kendall tries on a Brazilian headdress during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America with a focus on the art, music and cuisine of Brazil. less

Contrice Kendall tries on a Brazilian headdress during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South ... more

Dancers from the group Austin Samba perform during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America with a focus on the art, music and cuisine of Brazil. less

Dancers from the group Austin Samba perform during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South ... more

Photo: J. Patric Schneider, For The Chronicle

Dancers from the group Austin Samba perform during the 43rd annual... Photo-4503366.60728 - Houston Chronicle

Image 18 of 26

Dancers from the group Austin Samba perform during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America with a focus on the art, music and cuisine of Brazil. less

Dancers from the group Austin Samba perform during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South ... more

Photo: J. Patric Schneider, For The Chronicle

Dancers from the group Austin Samba perform during the 43rd annual... Photo-4503365.60728 - Houston Chronicle

Image 19 of 26

Customers look at pottery from Mexico during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America with a focus on the art, music and cuisine of Brazil. less

Customers look at pottery from Mexico during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America ... more

Thirteen-month-old Preston Doperalski walks by a wall painting during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America with a focus on the art, music and cuisine of Brazil. less

Thirteen-month-old Preston Doperalski walks by a wall painting during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the ... more

Jimmy Sosa wears an ethiopian hat as he walks around during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America with a focus on the art, music and cuisine of Brazil. less

Jimmy Sosa wears an ethiopian hat as he walks around during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of ... more

Photo: J. Patric Schneider, For The Chronicle

Jimmy Sosa wears an ethiopian hat as he walks around during the... Photo-4503370.60728 - Houston Chronicle

Image 22 of 26

Jonathon Clark, 6, waves his Japanese fan around during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America with a focus on the art, music and cuisine of Brazil. less

Jonathon Clark, 6, waves his Japanese fan around during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South ... more

Photo: J. Patric Schneider, For The Chronicle

Jonathon Clark, 6, waves his Japanese fan around during the 43rd... Photo-4503368.60728 - Houston Chronicle

Image 23 of 26

Pedro Maldonado plays an Antara flute from Peru during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America with a focus on the art, music and cuisine of Brazil. less

Pedro Maldonado plays an Antara flute from Peru during the 43rd annual Houston International Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South ... more

The 43rd annual Houston International Festival was held outside City Hall on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America with a focus on the art, music and cuisine of Brazil. less

The 43rd annual Houston International Festival was held outside City Hall on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Houston. The highlight of the festival this year was the culture of South America with a focus on the ... more

Photo: J. Patric Schneider, For The Chronicle

The 43rd annual Houston International Festival was held outside... Photo-4503440.60728 - Houston Chronicle

Image 25 of 26

Streets surrounding Houston City Hall are closed for foot traffic during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 a.m. to eight p.m. The festival features seven stages, a Brazilian living museum and six multicultural markets. less

Streets surrounding Houston City Hall are closed for foot traffic during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 ... more